SEE FOR YOURSELF | Watch this short video to see photos from a few of the many grant-supported projects the TEA Grant Committee members mentioned in this episode, including the kindergarten t-shirts, family night with the Cleveland Monsters, and more!

CATCH UP | Click here to listen to our conversation with OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee from earlier this season about the OEA grants that are available and the changes that have been made to make this funding more accessible and impactful for local associations. Your Dues Dollars at Work: What you need to know about OEA's Local Affiliate Grants

JUMP AHEAD | Helpful timecodes to hear about some of Twinsburg EA's initiatives and projects:

• 3:00 - How Twinsburg Education Association got started with the OEA Affiliate and Wellness grants
• 6:00 - The types of grants TEA wrote for the 2025-2026 schoolyear 
• 9:00 - Kindergarten shirts with grant money from the OEA Action Plan
• 12:25 - TEA Winter Party with funding from the OEA Affiliate Grant
• 14:00 - Quarterly newsletter with support from the OEA Action Plan
• 18:00 - TEA podcast, which will be supported by funding through the OEA Action Plan to get materials needed
• 20:45 - OEA Fund Lunch with funding from the OEA Affiliate Grant
• 24:45 - OEA Fund donations increased with an OEA Affiliate Grant-funded prize to encourage engagement
• 26:30 - Family Fun Event at a Cleveland Monsters game, funded by the OEA Affiliate Grant
• 28:45 - Coffee and snacks for each building, thanks to OEA Wellness Grant funding

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA GRANTS:

• For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.
• For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner.
• For more information about the OEA Wellness Grants, click here. 
• Click here to learn more about the OEA Foundation Grants.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Kimberly Fink, Retired Twinsburg Education Association member and former TEA President
  • After teaching for 35 years in Twinsburg, Kimberly Fink continues to serve on the Twinsburg Education Association grant committee in her retirement. She was TEA vice president for four years and TEA president for six years, during which time she started the OEA Affiliate Grant and Wellness Grant-funded programs in Twinsburg. Fink was a Team Leader for 18 years and served on six negotiating committees. She also served ten years as a delegate to the NEOEA and OEA Representative Assemblies. She is now a member of TEA-Retired and OEA-Retired, and works as a student teacher supervisor for the University of Akron.
• Mary Bilinski, Twinsburg Education Association Vice President
  • A third grade teacher at Samuel Bissell Elementary School, Mary Bilinski is in her 25th year of teaching, the last 18 of which in Twinsburg schools. She is currently in her first full year as TEA vice president and NEOEA/OEA Rep. Bilinski has previously served as a TEA building rep for three years (2009-2011 and 2024-205) and has served on two TEA contract negotiations committees. She was a Team Leader in 3rd Grade from 2011 to 2014, and she continues to serve on the Grade 3 Math Ohio Content Advisory Committee for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Bilinski has served in that role for the last eleven years. 
    • Note: During our conversation in March, Bilinski mentioned she was running in the upcoming TEA elections. She has since shared an update letting us know she was re-elected for another term as TEA Vice President!
• Scott Peterson, Twinsburg Education Association Secretary
  • Scott Peterson teaches 8th grade Language Arts in Twinsburg and is in his 31st year of teaching. He was a building rep for 11 years, and has been the TEA Secretary for the past five years. Peterson also writes the Politics Corner column for the quarterly TEA newsletter. Outside of his work for TEA and in his classroom, Peterson coaches the 8th grade Power of the Pen team.
• Kristie Lewis, Twinsburg Education Association member
  • Kristie Lewis is a dedicated educator with 27 years of experience supporting students and public education. She spent eight years as a classroom teacher and has served as a school counselor for the past 19 years. Now in her eighth year with Twinsburg City Schools, Kristie continues to advocate for student success, wellness, and equitable opportunities.
  • In addition to her work with students, Kristie is an active union leader and advocate for educators. She has served as a Building Representative and as a delegate for the Northeast Ohio Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and the National Education Association Representative Assembly for the past three years. Through grants and partnerships with these organizations, she helped provide nearly 200 books to support student learning. Diversity Read-Ins are grant-sponsored events offered by TEA. Kristie believes empathy in solidarity and protecting public education is both her passion and her life’s work.
    • Click here to listen to a previous Public Education Matters episode fe...

SEE FOR YOURSELF | Click here to watch a short video featuring photos of Janaya Fosters' students doing yoga in their school.

GRANT SUPPORT | Janaya was able to get yoga mats for her classroom and other mindfulness resources through a Columbus Education Association mini-grant. She also was able to buy her class their smoothie machine with grant funding from Donors Choose. For more information about some of the other grants that are available through OEA, listen to our previous Public Education Matters episode with OEA Secretary-Treasurer Rob McFee: Your Dues Dollars at Work: What you need to know about OEA's Local Affiliate Grants

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest:

Janaya Foster, Columbus Education Association member 

• Janaya Foster is a 2nd grade teachers at Berwick Elementary in Columbus City Schools, where she serves as a Columbus Education Association senior faculty representative for her building. She also serves as an Ohio's New Educators (ONE) Member Organizer and a member of the OEA Elections Committee. In addition to her work with educators around Ohio, Foster presented two wellness-focused sessions at the NEA Leadership Summit in Chicago in March, 2026.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on March 18, 2026.

READ THE REPORTS | "Charter School Reckoning" is a three-part report from the Network for Public Education. Click here to read part one of the report, "Decline." Click here to read Part 2, "Disillusionment." Part 3, focusing on costs, will be published later in 2026.

GET THE FACTS | Click here to visit the Network for Public Education's Charter School Accountability Center.

GO TO THE NPE NATIONAL CONFERENCE | Click here for more information on the 2026 National Conference in Houston and to register.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Carol Burris, Executive Director, Network for Public Education/Network for Public Education Action
  • Carol Burris, a retired public school teacher and principal, now serves as the Executive Director of the Network for Public Education, a national organization dedicated to supporting and improving public education. Dr. Burris, who has authored three books on educational equity, has received numerous awards for her leadership, including being named the 2013 New York State High School Principal of the Year. 
  • Carol Burris served as principal of South Side High School in the Rockville Centre School District in NY from 2000-2015. Carol received her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her dissertation on equitable practices in mathematics instruction received the 2003 National Association of Secondary Schools’ Principals Middle of the Year Award. 
  • Carol serves as a Fellow of the National Education Policy Center and is the co-director of its Schools of Opportunity program.  She authored three books on educational equity. Articles that she has authored or co-authored have appeared in Educational Leadership, The Kappan, the American Educational Research Journal, Theory into Practice, The School Administrator and EdWeek.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on March 12, 2026.

GET HELP NAVIGATING YOUR STUDENT LOAN DEBT | Click here to learn more about NEA Member Benefits' Savi Student Debt Navigator tool and other student loan resources
 
FIND OTHER SAVINGS | Click here for more information on other NEA Member Benefits discounts and resources

REWIND AND LEARN MORE | Click here and here to hear Guy's interviews on previous Public Education Matters episodes about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest:

Guy Kendall-Freas, NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Lead

• Guy Kendall-Freas is the NEA Zone 3 Lead for NEA Member Benefits, where he has been employed since 1996.  A former special education teacher in Ohio, Guy was also a leader in his local, district and OEA.  He served the Ohio Department of Education in several capacities, including the Rules Revision Committee for Special Ed Service Delivery and as one of the first practicing teachers trained as Entry Year Teacher Assessors.  Working from his office in Mansfield, Ohio, he supports members and affiliates in the 13 states comprising NEA’s Zone 3.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on February 25, 2026.

WATCH | Rep. Brennan wrote a guest column for the April/May edition of Ohio Schools called "Why Our Union Matters More Than Ever." Click here to watch a short video of him sharing that message.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HB 523 | Click here to read the full text of the bill and to track its progress in the Ohio General Assembly. Click here to read OEA President Jeff Wensing's testimony in support of House Bill 523 in the House Education Committee in February, 2026.

TELL YOUR STORY | Help advocate for a more accessible path to becoming an educator by sharing your perspective about your own time as a student teacher - past or present. Click here to share your experience. 

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Ohio Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, (D-House District 14)
  • State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan has dedicated his life to public service. He firmly believes that his story informs his calling to public service and proves that the American Dream survives. After his father abandoned his family, his strong mother modeled the importance of family and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work, making their trailer a home and utilizing public assistance only as needed. Sadly, his mother later suffered through an abusive relationship. As a result, Rep. Brennan was blessed when his loving grandmother took him in to help tend the family farm and focus on his studies.
  • Rep. Brennan went on to attend the University of Dayton where he graduated summa cum laude earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies concentrating in Russian, Soviet, and East European Studies. While there, he fell in love with Deena Denk from Parma, where they currently reside and raised their two beautiful children. He has also completed graduate-level coursework in history, political science, economics, and pedagogy at several colleges and universities and has a Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration from Cleveland State University. Brennan’s scholarly activities involve projects on the subjects of the U.S. Constitution, religious freedom in America, and various other American political and historical topics at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, James Madison’s Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the University of Oxford in England, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Bill of Rights Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University.
  • Rep. Brennan served as an award-winning public school teacher for three decades, as well as a Parma councilman for nearly two decades, including over a decade as the at-large elected President of Council and the Public Housing Board of Ohio’s 7th largest city. He is active in civic, professional, and charitable organizations, which include founder and board member of the Andrew Boyko Scholarship Foundation, St. Charles Borromeo Parish lector and adult server, Friends of Parma Libraries life member, founder of the Parma Peanut Butter Drive benefitting All Faiths Pantry, founder and past adviser of the Parma Youth Commission, advisory board member of Big Creek Connects, member of West Creek Conservancy, Parma Historical Society, the City Club of Cleveland, German Central Foundation, National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and Northeast Ohio Education Association.
  • An avid runner and advocate of healthy living, Rep. Brennan has completed over 100 full marathons, as well as countless other smaller running events. His love of running led to his creation of the annual Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities. Among other projects, his charitable work led to the creation of the script Parma sign which was subsequently donated to the City of Parma and adorns Anthony Zielinski Park and raising thousands of dollars to assist residents whose incomes were negatively impacted by the pandemic.
  • Rep. Brennan was nominated Ohio Teacher of the Year, selected for the Parma Senior Veterans Appreciation Award, “Citizen of the Year” by the Friends of Parma Libraries, “Friend of PEA” by the Parma Education Association, “Conservationist of the Year” by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, “Parma Democrat of the Year” by the Parma Democratic Party, “Teacher of the Year” by the Cleveland American Middle Eastern Association (C.A.M.E.O.), and the “Good Partner Award” by Goodwill Industries.
  • Rep. Brennan joined the Ohio House of Representatives in 2023 and is now serving his second term. He is proud of his perfect session attendance, 96% bipartisan voting record, being named the “Most Bipartisan Legislator,” sponsoring more bills than any other legislator in the Ohio General Assembly, and passing 5 bills in his first term. Most of all he is committed to providing excellent constituent services to the residents who contact his office. He cares deeply for the people of the great state of Ohio and works doggedly to improve the quality of life for all of those who reside in the Buckeye State. He is deeply honored to serve the residents of Ohio’s 14th House District which includes, Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland Wards 12, 13, and 14, which encompass the Old Brooklyn, South Hills, Brooklyn Centre, and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods.
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about

TIME MACHINE | Click here to hear then-city council candidate David Grimes on the OEA podcast when he was first running for office in 2023.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest:

David Grimes, Westerville Education Association Secretary

• A 7th grade science teacher in Westerville City Schools, David Grimes also serves as Westerville Mayor, a position to which he was appointed in January, 2026. He has served as a Westerville City Council member since 2024. Grimes serves as Council Representative to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Uptown Westerville, Inc. Board. He is also actively involved with Sustainable Westerville, WeRISE Westerville, the Westerville Queer Collective, the Arts Council of Westerville, Westerville Garden Club, Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries, the Westerville Historical Society, and the Westerville Education Association, for which he serves as Secretary. Grimes is also a former Ohio's New Educators Member Ambassador and former president of Otterbein Middle Level Association. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on January 19, 2026.

A LOOK AT THE TIMELINE:

• January, 2022 - The Vouchers Hurt Ohio coalition files the lawsuit in the Franklin County Common Pleas court challenging the constitutionality of the state's private school voucher program. Click here to read the press release, which includes a link to a copy of the complaint.
• June, 2025 - Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page rules Ohio's voucher scheme unconstitutional on three of five counts. Click here to read OEA's statement on the ruling. 
• January, 2026 - Both sides file reply briefs in the 10th District Court of Appeals as the state's appeal of Judge Page's ruling moves forward through the courts. Click here to check out some of the news coverage about the filing. Click here to read the Vouchers Hurt Ohio reply brief for yourself. 
• Summer, 2026 - Oral arguments are expected in the 10th District Court of Appeals.
• ???? - The 10th District Court of Appeals will issue its ruling and the case will likely move forward to the Ohio Supreme Court.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING IN COURT | Click here to read more on the five counts at the center of the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit.

JOIN THE LAWSUIT | Click here for a list of school districts currently participating in the lawsuit. Click here and here for info and resources to advocate for your school district to join the lawsuit, too.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Dan Heintz, Chardon Education Association member
  • Dan Heintz is a public school grad, dad, teacher and advocate. He teaches at Chardon High School, serves on the Board of Education for the Cleveland Heights - University Heights school district, and is a member of the Steering Committee for the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit.  

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on January 13, 2026.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Jackie Hartsel, BISGITA President
  • Jackie Hartsel has been an educator for 25 years, holding an elementary teaching license (grades 1–8, all subjects) with a K–12 reading endorsement, as well as a K–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education–Intervention Specialist license. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ashland University and her master’s degree from Cleveland State University.
  • Throughout her career, she has worked in both public and charter school settings in a variety of roles and employment capacities. She has served as a full-time salaried employee and as a part-time hourly employee, gaining experience as a classroom teacher, reading tutor, and a curriculum and special education supervisor. Currently, she works as a part-time hourly intervention specialist in Bay Village.
  • Hartsel genuinely enjoys working with students, and says, like most educators, the most rewarding part of her work is watching students learn, grow, and gain confidence. She was especially drawn to special education because two of her own children had IEPs during their school years. Parenting children with unique learning challenges has had a profound impact on her teaching practice, allowing her to better empathize with both students and their families and to advocate effectively for their needs.
  • In her personal life, Hartsel is the parent of three grown children and the proud grandparent of nine grandchildren. When she is not spending time with her family, she enjoys tending to flowers and plants, both indoors and outdoors. She also likes tackling home improvement projects, from repairing a kitchen sink to painting and refinishing furniture. One of her favorite traditions is creating a custom Volkswagen-themed dresser for each grandchild when they turn five, complete with working tap headlights in their choice of color.
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on January 7, 2026.

LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF LEARNING | Click here to read the feature about Bill and Cheryl Graham in the October/November 2025 edition of Ohio Schools.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about, or you know about educators in your Local who are doing amazing things, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Bill and Cheryl Graham, OEA-Retired members

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded in early September, 2025.

Nearly 100 years after Cesar Chavez was born, his mission and message are as important now as ever. That's why when Orange High School Spanish teacher Emily Machias had the opportunity to bring Cesar Chavez's grandson to Orange City Schools during their Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in 2025, she jumped at the chance to have her students hear from Andres Chavez about the labor leader and civil rights activist's enduring legacy. In this episode, Macias shares her passion for showing students the wider world around them, whether that means bringing them new perspectives, like those of Andres Chavez as he carries on his grandfather's work, or bringing them to new parts of the world, including a recent trip to Peru that included eye-opening visits to homes and a school in a remote part of that country.

IN THE NEWS| Check out some of the local news coverage of Andres Chavez' visit to Pepper Pike:

• Andres Chavez tells crowd at Orange High School how he works to keep grandfather’s legacy alive - cleveland.com 
• Northeast Ohio events will honor Cesar Chavez's labor legacy in the state and beyond | Ideastream Public Media
• Grandson of civil rights activist Cesar Chavez to speak Oct. 16 at Orange High School - cleveland.com

LEARN MORE | For more information about the Cesar Chavez Foundation and its ongoing work, click here.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about or know about great work educators are doing in your Local, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Emily Macias, Orange Teachers Association member
  • Emily Macias is a veteran Spanish educator at Orange High School in Pepper Pike, Ohio, where she has taught for 23 years. In addition to her work in the classroom, she serves as the high school’s ROX (Ruling Our Experiences) advisor, supporting the empowerment and leadership development of young women.
  • Emily is also an active member of the Orange Teachers Association, serving as a building representative, and contributes to national assessment efforts through her work with the College Board as an AP Spanish exam reader.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on December 4, 2025.

JOIN OASNP | The Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals is a department within OEA that supports and advocates for OEA members who work with individuals with special needs. All OEA members are invited to join. Click here to learn more about the benefits of joining OASNP and for a link to add OASNP to your OEA membership.

• All OEA members are also invited to attend the next OASNP annual conference:
  • April 24-25, 2026
  • Mohican State Park Lodge & Resort
  • Click here to register

LEARN MORE | Click here to read the Ohio Schools magazine story on IDEA's 50th anniversary (Page 14). And, read this piece for more information from NEA: IDEA is 50 Years Old — And at Risk | NEA

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Jené Wilson, OASNP Past Chair and Business Manager 
  • Jené Wilson was a Teacher/Behavior Specialist with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for 36 years, serving as president, vice president, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary for her local, the Association of Cuyahoga County Employees for Special Students (ACCESS), as well as holding numerous roles within OEA, NEOEA, and NEA during that time. Since retiring from the Board of DD, she has remained active in all levels of Association work. Wilson currently serves as NEOEA-R Representative to the OEA-R Advisory Council, as a delegate at the NEOEA, OEA, and NEA represenative assemblies, and on the NEOEA Board of Directors, among her other roles. Additionally, she continues to serve as the Business Manager for the Ohio Association of Special Needs Professionals (OASNP), after serving as OASNP chairperson for five years and as OASNP vice-chairperson for 24 years before that. Since retiring in 2009, she taught at Notre Dame College for nine years and is currently supervising student teachers at Cleveland State. 
• Nikki Nadasky, OASNP Chair
  • Nikki Nadasky has been a Service and Support Administrator for the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities for 14 years, as well as Portage County Education Association for Developmental Disabilities union president and acting Chair of OASNP. Prior to becoming chair, Nadasky was vice chair and also was the group's secretary. She has worked for 23 years in total serving those with developmental disabilities and has met many wonderful people, for whom she has so much respect.  They have shown Nadasky to live life with perseverance.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on November 6, 2025.

SEE CY IN ACTION | Click here to watch the Ohio School Spotlight video featuring Cy's story, or watch this short social media video to see Cy using his new assistive device for yourself.

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES | Educators who are considering whether 3-D printed devices can help their students are welcome to pick Maddy and Elena's brains about what they've learned so far in the design and printing process. Please email communications@anthonywayneschools.org to get in touch with them.

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE | If you have an education topic you're passionate about or know about great work educators are doing in your Local, we want to hear from you on the podcast! Please email us at educationmatters@ohea.org

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Elena North, Intervention Specialist, Anthony Wayne Education Association member
  • Elena North is an Intervention Specialist at Monclova Primary School with a background in Special Education and certifications in Mild–Moderate and Moderate–Intensive disabilities, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. 
  • Now in her third year of teaching, Elena is committed to providing student centered-instruction that meets learners where they are and supports their growth across academic, social, and daily living skills. 
  • Guided by the belief that every child deserves an equitable education, Elena emphasizes adapting instruction to match how students learn best. She prioritizes maintaining a structured, predictable learning environment where students can expect clear expectations and consistency–an approach that reduces anxiety, builds trust, and supports meaningful communication and positive behavior. 
  • A recent highlight of Elena’s work is her role in co-leading the Reaching for Independence while Striving for Excellence (R.I.S.E.) program alongside colleague Lauren Whalen. The weekly program provides students with authentic, real-world opportunities to practice social, academic, and functional life skills. Through her work, Elena strives to help students build confidence, independence, and essential skills needed to reach their fullest potential beyond the classroom.
• Maddy Schnabel, OTD, OTR/L, Teachers Association of Lucas County Schools member
  • Madeline Schnabel is a school-based occupational therapist with a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toledo with a graduate certificate in Teaming in Early Childhood. With three and half years of experience, she is dedicated to helping students participate in meaningful school activities and develop skills that support their independence now and into the future. 
  • Employed by the Educational Service Center of Northwest Ohio and serving the Anthony Wayne Local Schools district, Maddy also serves as an adjunct faculty member in The University of Toledo’s OTD program. 
  • Maddy builds strong relationships with students, helping them feel supported and confident when facing new or challenging tasks. A recent highlight of her work includes creating a 3-D printed device to enhance student participation in the classroom.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on November 20, 2025.

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Briana McDonald, Warrensville Education Association member
  • Now in her 13th year in education, Briana McDonald has been a teacher, administrator and gifted intervention specialist during her career. She currently works for Warrensville Heights City School District as an elementary teacher. Her two Bachelor’s degrees in Middle School Education and Accounting are from the University of Mount Union (Alliance, OH). Her two Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction with Gifted and Talented Learners are from Cleveland State University. She is a twin mom to 5 year old twin boys, Zeke and Zion, and married to her husband, Jeff. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on September 22, 2025.

• Click here to see which schools CIS of Ohio is partnering with this school year
• Click here to see the results from the organization's work in Ohio schools last year
• Click here to learn more about the Community in Schools model
• Connect with Adero Robinson directly to explore opportunities to partner and to see more CIS data by emailing arobinson@ciskids.org 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Adero Robinson, Communities in Schools of Ohio Executive Director & CEO
  • Adero Robinson is the Executive Director and CEO of Communities In Schools of Ohio (CIS), part of the national Communities In Schools network dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support so they can thrive in school and beyond. With nearly 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, he leads efforts to connect students with caring adults, community resources, and evidence-based supports designed to overcome barriers to success. 
  • Under his leadership, Communities In Schools of Ohio currently serves 46 schools across six cities, providing whole-school and individualized services such as academic assistance, behavioral interventions, family engagement, enrichment, and attendance support. 
    For the 2024–2025 academic year, in 52 schools across the state, CIS of Ohio supported more than 24,000 students and 12,700 families. For the 2,800 students receiving intensive, one-on-one support—91% of seniors graduated, and the majority made measurable gains in attendance, behavior, and academics.
  • Robinson began his career as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Columbus, serving as a tutor and mentor in Columbus City Schools, and later held leadership positions with City Year Columbus as Chief of Staff and Executive Director. His career also includes roles with the Columbus Compact Corporation, United Way of Central Ohio, the Columbus Urban League, and Battelle for Kids, where he advanced education, community development, and youth success initiatives.
  • He has received several community awards, including the City Year Comcast Leadership Award, and has completed leadership programs with the African American Leadership Academy, the Ray Miller Institute for Change and Leadership, Bank of America Emerging Leaders, Stanford University’s Designing Social Systems program, and City Year LEAD. 
  • Robinson holds a BA degree from Denison University and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He is married to Tracy Robinson and is the father of four children and three stepchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, Netflix, music, coaching youth basketball, and practicing karate, holding a second-degree black belt through the United Fighting Arts Federation.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on November 3, 2025.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA AFFILIATE GRANTS | 

• For details about the Special Projects and Effective Local grants, click here. The application form is available here.
• For more information about the Local Capacity Grant, click here. Additional information can be found on the OEA Grants and Scholarships page, in the bottom right corner.

 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OEA FOUNDATION GRANTS | The work of the OEA Educational Foundation is to fund initiatives that enhance student learning, student achievement, and well-being, as well as promote social justice. Its Board of Directors provides four funding opportunities annually:

• Diversity Grants — To develop and pursue instructional classroom programs or curriculum that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind.
• Innovation Grants — For the pursuit of innovative and creative practices where learning is enriched by experiences or projects.
• Whisper Grant for Students in Need — Funds provided directly to an OEA member to assist a student or group of students with an identified hardship in meeting an educational or personal need.
• Make-A-Wish — In collaboration with Make-A-Wish®, the Foundation provides seed money for OEA Locals seeking to make a child’s wish come true.

DEADLINES TO KEEP IN MIND | Whisper Grants are awarded by the OEA Foundation year round, but other grants have application deadlines in early 2026. 

• OEA Affiliate Grant applications are due January 31, 2026
• Applications for Diversity and Innovation Grants through the OEA Educational Foundation must be submitted by February 14, 2026.
• All receipts for reimbursements under the Local Capacity Grants must be submitted by July 31, 2026.  

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Rob McFee, Ohio Education Association Secretary-Treasurer
  • Rob McFee brings over two decades of dedicated leadership in education and union advocacy to his role as OEA Secretary-Treasurer. While serving as a secondary math teacher in the Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, Rob has consistently demonstrated his commitment to advancing the rights and interests of both his students and his members.
  • Rob’s union leadership journey has seen him wear a variety of hats. Most notably, he served nine years as local president and as the NEOEA President from 2018 to 2022. He has also advocated for members while serving on the NEOEA and OEA Board of Directors, and as a member of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board of Directors, including a term as chair from 2021 to 2022. As local president, Rob successfully negotiated multiple contracts and served on various levy committees. He led his local union through significant changes, including the construction of new buildings and the aftermath of a fire that devastated the district’s Board of Education Office. His unwavering advocacy for the health, safety, and working conditions of union members underscored his leadership as NEOEA President during the COVID pandemic. Rob believes deeply in the power of collaboration and diversity. For him, leadership means assembling the right team, empowering individuals to succeed, and finding equitable solutions through collective effort.
  • As OEA Secretary-Treasurer, Rob is dedicated to upholding financial transparency and accountability. Working closely with the leadership team, Rob is committed to amplifying OEA’s voice in advocating for public education. He believes passionately in racial, social, and economic justice, viewing diversity as a cornerstone of strength within the OEA. Rob’s vision for an inclusive education system demonstrates his commitment to ensuring all students and educators have the resources they need to succeed.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025.

SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS | Click here to see some of Shari's photos from the Fund for Teachers fellowship in Iceland. Click here to see Amy's highlights from the trip.

EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES | Amy and Shari mentioned several grants and learning opportunities available to Ohio science educators. See the following links for more information about some of them:

• Fund For Teachers Grant  
• Teacher Air Camp  
• Yellowstone Educator Opportunity Summer 2026 
• Amy and Shari also shared an OEA Technology Grant to buy cameras and go pros to use on their trip and in their classrooms back home. Please note, OEA is in the process of redeveloping and streamlining the Affiliate Grant Program, and as part of the transition, no applications are being accepted for Technology Grants for the 2025-26 cycle. Make sure you listen to Episode 16 of Public Education Matters to learn more on the OEA grants being offered right now.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Amy Boros, Perrysburg Education Association member
  • Amy Boros teaches 5th and 6th grade Science at Hull Prairie Intermediate School in Perrysburg. She has experience in classroom teaching at the elementary, middle school and collegiate levels; educational classroom technology; grant researching, authoring
    and evaluation, as well as educational consulting and conference presentations in both mathematics and science. With degrees from Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo, Amy is currently in her 30th year in education.
  • Amy is an accomplished grant writer who has been awarded thousands of dollars in grants for her classroom, school, district, and outside organizations. In addition, Amy has authored several articles about middle school science education in Science Scope Journal and Science and Children Journal, publications of The National Science Teachers Association.
  • In 2019, Amy was invited to participate in an extensive research project onboard the Lake Guardian, an EPA research vessel on Lake Erie; selected as one of 15 educators to collect data alongside scientists. While on board, she evaluated the presence of
    microplastics, toxic algae and microbial organisms in surface water and sediment throughout Lake Erie’s basins.
  • She continues to work alongside scientists by helping with research, most recently in Costa Rica and Yellowstone National Park.
  • Amy was awarded the 2022 President’s Innovation Award in Environmental Education, a joint award from the White House and the EPA for her environmental education work inside and outside of the classroom.
• Shari Insley, North Olmsted Education Association member
  • Shari Insley is a middle school math and science teacher for North Olmsted City Schools with 20 years of experience in education. Of her 20 years in education, the past 18 years have been dedicated to North Olmsted, and her first 2 years were spent teaching in Gallup, New Mexico.
  • Shari earned a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education in Mathematics and Science and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. In addition to her teaching expertise, Shari was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. She has also served on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Science Education Council of Ohio the past 2 years.
  • Since 2016, Shari has dedicated her summers to participating in educator courses to expand her knowledge of freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes. She has taken part in grant opportunities through Ohio Sea Grant at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, sailed aboard the R/V Lake Guardian with the EPA, and worked with the Gelfand STEM Center at Case Western Reserve University. Most recently, Shari was awarded a Fund for Teachers grant to travel to Iceland in the summer of 2025, where she explored the country’s unique geothermal and glacial environments to enrich her environmental science curriculum.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. S...

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Dan Greenberg, Ohio Education Association Vice President
  • A 28-year junior high and high school English teacher from Sylvania, Dan Greenberg became OEA Vice-President in 2025. Dan has served as President of the Sylvania Education Association for the past 10 years, and a total of 23 years as a local officer. Additionally, Dan also served six years as an NEA Director, seven years as an OEA Director, and three years as NWOEA Vice-President. During this time, he served on numerous OEA committees as well.
  • Dan’s public education advocacy extends beyond the Association. In 2013, Dan founded a grassroots public education advocacy group, the Northwest Ohio Friends of Public Education, to engage educators and community members on issues such as school funding and the overuse and misuse of standardized testing. Over the past decade, Dan’s leadership in this space has led to him serving on the board for the statewide advocacy group, Public Education Partners, and the national organization, the Network for Public Education.
  • Throughout his leadership journey, Dan has prioritized building relationships and creating spaces for educators to have a voice in decisions affecting our schools. He firmly believes that public education does not have to be a partisan issue and looks forward to the opportunity to work with Democrat and Republican elected officials to meet the challenges facing public education and our students.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on September 10, 2025.

WATCH | As the one year anniversary of the roof collapse approached, Lakeside High School educators brought us into their classrooms - still spread out across four buildings in the district - and inside the Lakeside High School building to see the devastation firsthand. Click here to see the Ohio School Spotlight video. And, click here to watch the powerful Lakeside Strong Documentary, created by Lakeside High School students in spring 2025. 

THE LATEST | After a bond issue on the November 2025 ballot to rebuild Lakeside High School did not pass, Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent told the Star Beacon the district will continue to pursue avenues to get students back into the high school as soon as possible.  Separately, AACS filed a lawsuit against Liberty Mutual Insurance over its refusal to pay claims for repairs.

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Maureen Surbella, Ashtabula Area Teachers Association President
  • Maureen A. Surbella is a seasoned educator, coach, and leader with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and community involvement. She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Walsh University and a Master’s in Effective Teaching from Lake Erie College. Currently, Maureen serves as a Title 1 Teacher and the District Communication/PR Liaison for Ashtabula Area City Schools, where she is committed to improving student outcomes and fostering positive communication between the district and the community.
  • Alongside her teaching role, Maureen has been the Head Swim Coach at Ashtabula Area City Schools since 2011, and has also coached tennis and volleyball. Recently, Maureen was elected as the President of the Ashtabula Area Teachers Association, where she works to support and advocate for the district’s educators. Maureen's extensive experience in education and athletics, combined with her leadership and communication skills, make her a well-rounded advocate for both students and teachers. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Education Association and the Ohio High School Coaches Association.
• Tyler Wilber, Ashtabula Area Teachers Association member
  • Tyler Wilber is proud to teach at Lakeside High School, the same district where he graduated. With over 25 years of experience in Ashtabula Area City Schools, he has dedicated his career to helping students learn, grow, and reach their potential. He currently teaches American History, Geography, and Esports & Gaming. In addition to the classroom, he serves as one of the Building Technology Representatives and the Building Testing Coordinator, supporting both staff and students. He also enjoys coaching as the Assistant Boys Golf Coach and has previously coached football and track & field. As a proud product of the Ashtabula school system, Wilber takes great pride in giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation of students.
• Jostalyn Krider, Ashtabula Area Teachers Association member
  • Jostalyn Krider is in her sixteenth year of teaching mathematics at Lakeside High School in Ashtabula, Ohio. She currently teaches Algebra 2 Honors, Algebra 2 College Prep, AP Calculus, and Drone Technology. In addition to her classroom duties, Mrs. Krider serves as Co-Chair of the Mathematics Department and advises the Robotics Club.
    She is dedicated to helping students connect mathematics to real-world applications through technology and innovation. Her integration of STEM concepts—especially in drone technology and robotics—reflects her commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. Mrs. Krider is recognized for her leadership, collaboration, and passion for inspiring curiosity and problem-solving in her students.
• David Roth, Ashtabula Area Teachers Association member
  • David P. Roth has been educating Future Musicians for over 30 years, having taught in Wyoming, Florida, and Ohio. He holds a Bachelor's in Music Education from Kent State University and a Master's in Music Education from The University Of Akron. Currently, David is the Instrumental Music Director at Lakeside High School and Erie Intermediate School, teaching Band and Orchestra to 5th and 6th Graders, and Band, Orchestra, and Jazz to 9th through 12 Grade Students. Through a solid educational foundation, and memorable and enriching performances, Mr. Roth continues to guide Lakeside's Young Musicians to constantly push and improve themselves, while learning more about the world and the World of Music.
  • In addition to his teaching roles, David has been the Advisor for the school's Tri-M Music Honor Society (8 Years), National Honor Society (6 Years), and Key Club (3 Years), as well as a Past Membership Chair and current Building Representative for the Ashtabula Area City Schools. David is also an active member of the National Association for Music Education, the Ohio Music Education Association (where he serves as Webmaster for District 5), the American School Band Directors Association, and Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honor Band Fraternity. Recently, Mr. Roth was nominated for and selected as a Quarter-Finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award in 2024.
• Douglas Wetherholt, Lakeside High School Principal
  • With more than 33 years experience in education, Doug Wetherholt has had the privilege of serving as a principal for the past 17 years. 
    Wetherholt is a proud graduate of Ashtabula High School, where his passion for education was ignited. He pursued his Bachelor's degree at Kent State University, and later, earned his Master's degree from Youngstown State University. These educational milestones have been instrumental in shaping his educational philosophy and a...

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS | Take a listen to NEA's School Me podcast for a discussion with Alice O’Brien, general counsel for the National Education Association, as she walks through your rights, risks, and opportunities to push back against anti-equality policies and fear tactics: A Lawyer Explains: "DEI" and Anti-Equity Policies in Schools | NEA || OEA members with questions are urged to contact their Labor Relations Consultant for guidance

ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL | Click here for information from NEA about several recent court rulings impacting inclusive education in public schools.

• In February, 2025, the US Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter threatening schools and colleges across the country with the loss of federal funding in a matter of days if they continued to pursue vaguely defined “DEI programs.” 
• The National Education Association, ACLU, and others filed a lawsuit to block enforcement of this directive, saying 'the Letter radically resets ED’s longstanding positions on civil rights laws that guarantee equality and inclusion and impermissibly infringes on the authority of states and school districts over public education, as well as the First Amendment rights of educators and students. 
• In April, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the US Department of Education from enforcing the directive while litigation continues. Read NEA's statement on the court ruling here: Federal court grants preliminary injunction against Department of Education’s unlawful directive | NEA

HERE IN OHIO | Ohio lawmakers continue to propose legislation to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and offices in K-12 schools, extending the DEI ban they enacted on college campuses with SB 1 earlier this year. Click here to see recent news coverage.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Kelsie Bullock, Morgan Local Education Association member
  • A biology and marine biology teacher at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Kelsie Bullock enjoys listening to music, judging gymnastics, doing jiu jitsu and spending time with my husband and dogs.  
  • A Newark, Ohio, native, Bullock grew up doing gymnastics and loving animals. These two loves directed her towards attending Ohio State for their vet program and coaching gymnastics through her time in college. She quickly realized, once starting college, that becoming a vet was not for her. She thought back on her life and realized that she has always been somewhat of a teacher to her younger sisters, her teammates, and her school peers. This, coinciding with her coaching, led her to realize that she may want to be a teacher. So she switched her major to zoology with a focus in anatomy and physiology, something she wanted to teach at the time. 
  • After graduating with her first degree, Bullock had a few hiccups for her licensure and ultimately ended up going back to Ohio State to get her bachelors in life science education. During this second degree program, she took an equity and diversity class that she attributes to her turning point in life. She learned so much about the history and culture of marginalized groups in the US and it opened her eyes. From that point on, she has been dedicated to learning and serving to help marginalized groups.
  • Bullock enjoys her job, which allows her to actively express her D.E.I passion while also teaching about a topic she truly loves. She gets to help students learn in more ways than one. 
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on September 15, 2025.

SEE WHERE YOUR LAWMAKERS STAND | Click here to see how your representatives in the Ohio House and Senate vote on public education issues with the OEA Legislative Scorecard tool.

DONATE TO THE OEA FUND | The OEA Fund is the state political action committee (PAC) for members of the Ohio Education Association. It is funded with voluntary donations from OEA members, members’ families, and OEA staff to support pro-public education, pro-labor candidates, regardless of political affiliation or anything else. Dues funds are never used to make contributions to candidates or political parties.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Daniel Murphy, Ironton Education Association President
  • Daniel is a proud father, first and foremost. To his children, Jasmine and Kingston, he is a hero, a teacher, and a source of unconditional love. It is from this foundational role that his mission to nurture, protect, and empower others flows. As a Physical Education teacher at Ironton Middle School, he has spent the last decade channeling that paternal energy into the gymnasium and onto the playing fields, understanding that building strong character is just as important as building strong bodies.
  • But his classroom has no walls. For twenty years, he has been a pillar on the football field, coaching at multiple levels. In the grit and grind of practice, he has taught young athletes about discipline, teamwork, and resilience—lessons that extend far beyond the final whistle. This same unwavering dedication is offered to his faith community, where he serves as a deacon, providing spiritual guidance and support.
  • Recognizing that his duty of care extended to the very colleagues who shape Ironton’s future, he stepped into a new role three years ago as President of the Ironton Education Association. Here, he found a new arena for his passion. The same fire he brings to his students, his players, and his church, he now brings to serving his union members every single day.
  • His mission is clear and profound: to better the work environment and culture for everyone involved in the Ironton City Schools District. He fights not just for teachers, but for the dedicated support staff, the students they all serve, and the entire ecosystem that makes education possible. He understands that a thriving school is built on respect and fairness for all.
  • His guiding light in this work is a powerful conviction, echoed in one of his favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”
  • He has chosen a life of purposeful noise. He is not silent about fair treatment. He is not silent about safe and supportive schools. He is not silent about the things that matter to his family, his students, his fellow educators, and his community.
  • Through his roles as a father, teacher, coach, deacon, and union leader, he demonstrates that true impact is measured not by a single grand gesture, but by the sum of a thousand daily commitments. He is a builder—of stronger bodies, sharper minds, fairer workplaces, and a more compassionate community. His story is a powerful reminder that one person’s dedicated life can be the catalyst for a better world for all.
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on September 11, 2025.

LEADING OUR UNION |Click here to check out Jessica Harper's column in the June-July issue of the Ohio Schools magazine.

MID-CAREER EDUCATORS UNITE | While Jessica Harper is on the cusp of entering the mid-career range in the education profession, other mid-career educators are coming together now within the Ohio's New Educators (ONE) department to ensure all Ohio educators in the second decade of the career have the support they need to thrive. 

• Check out our episode on the mid-career pilot program from earlier this season. 
• Sign up to take part in a world cafe in early November for mid-career educators and education support professionals at all stages of their career here. 

 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Jessica Harper, Jackson City Education Association President
  • Jessica Harper is beginning her tenth year in the classroom in the Jackson City School District, where she serves as the president of the Jackson City EA.  Jessica recently began her first term on the OEA Board of Directors and is also on the Southeastern Ohio EA Executive Committee as the Jackson County Representative.  Her overall goals as a leader in her local are to keep membership numbers steady, become more visible to the public so educators can gain support from the community, and strengthen the local union by continuing to foster effective communication and activism.  

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on August 26, 2025.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

THE POWER OF ONE | To learn more about the Ohio's New Educators group and how you can get involved with this group of educators in the first ten years of their careers, click here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Shanette Strickland, Columbus Education Association member
  • Shanette Mobley Strickland is a dedicated public servant, business owner, educator, and advocate for fiscal integrity, currently serving as the President of the Reynoldsburg City Council. In this role, she has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, driving initiatives for transparency, and championing policies that promote economic growth and inclusivity.
    She envisions Reynoldsburg as the premier destination in Ohio for residents and businesses alike, focusing on strategic investments that enhance infrastructure, technology, and community well-being.
  • Building on her leadership experience, Shanette is now a candidate for City Auditor in the November 2025 election. She aims to bring her expertise in information technology, project management, and financial oversight to the Auditor’s office, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in the city’s financial operations. Her commitment to ethical
    governance and responsible budgeting will help Reynoldsburg navigate challenges while seizing opportunities for sustainable growth.
  • In addition to her public service, Shanette is an educator, teaching information technology to students in Columbus City Schools, where she is passionate about preparing the next generation for careers in technology and innovation. She understands firsthand the importance of education, workforce development, and equipping young people with the
    skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving economy.
  • Shanette’s leadership extends beyond public office. She and her husband, Chris Strickland, run The Source Group LLC, a technology company that focuses on innovation, digital strategy, and business solutions. As entrepreneurs, they understand the importance of economic empowerment, job creation, and leveraging technology to drive progress.
    A first-generation college graduate, Shanette holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University. Her personal journey underscores her commitment to education and mentorship, inspiring her work in empowering underserved and underrepresented communities.
  • With over 25 years of experience in information technology and 12 years in project management, Shanette brings a strategic, data-driven approach to governance. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Reynoldsburg Football Parent Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Charms Inc. Columbus Chapter, serving as Financial
    Secretary and National Recording Secretary. A fierce advocate for social justice, she has championed initiatives promoting inclusion, particularly for young African American males, and remains a steadfast voice for the disenfranchised, underserved, and overlooked. In 2019, Shanette made history as one of the first three African American women elected
    to the Reynoldsburg City Council, marking a transformative moment for the city's leadership. She resides in Reynoldsburg with her husband of 24 years, Chris Strickland, and their two sons, Chris II and Shon.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on October 21, 2025.

LISTEN TO PART 1 | Click here to hear the first half of the conversation with Dr. Howard Fleeter, where we dive into the history and impact of Ohio's property tax laws and the state policy changes that have fueled the rise in local property tax bills in recent years. This is incredibly important context about how we got here, so we can figure out what needs to be done now. If you have not listened to Part 1, please go back and listen to it now.

TAKE ACTION | House Bill 186 is one of several property tax bills making its way through the General Assembly right now. But, the substitute version of HB 186 under consideration would result in a huge, devastating funding cut for hundreds of Ohio school districts, especially in rural communities. Click here to see how your district would be impacted and to tell your lawmaker to oppose the amended version of HB 186.

READ THE REPORT | Learn more in the Ohio Education Policy Insitute's new 'Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform'

INTO THE ARCHIVES | Dr. Fleeter was a Public Education Matters guest way back in the first season of this podcast as we worked to understand Ohio's school funding formula - or lack thereof back at that point. Click here to listen.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Dr. Howard Fleeter, economist and Ohio Education Policy Institute consultant
  • Dr. Howard B. Fleeter received his Ph.D in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1990.  He was a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Management at Ohio State University from 1989-1999, where he taught courses in Public Sector Economics, Public Finance, and State and Local Government Finance.  He was a four-time recipient of the School’s “Faculty of the Year” award for excellence in teaching.  Dr. Fleeter was also a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1999-2001, where he taught courses in the Economics of Education and School Finance. 
  • Dr. Fleeter's research has focused on issues of education finance, education policy, and state and local tax policy and he is the author of numerous policy studies and academic journal articles on these topics.  Since his 1992 report, "Equity, Adequacy and Reliability in Ohio Education Finance" for Governor Voinovich's Education Management Council he has been one of the state’s leading experts on Education Finance.  He has worked extensively with Ohio education policy-makers to improve the state's school funding system for more than 25 years.  He is currently the owner of the state and local government finance and tax policy consulting firm Howard Fleeter & Associates and serves as a research consultant on education finance and policy issues for the Ohio Education Policy Institute.  

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025.

LISTEN TO PART 2 |Click here to hear the second half of the conversation with Dr. Howard Fleeter, where we look at what the state could do to enact potential property tax policy changes without devastating Ohio's public schools.

TAKE ACTION | House Bill 186 is one of several property tax bills making its way through the General Assembly right now. But, the substitute version of HB 186 under consideration would result in a huge, devastating funding cut for hundreds of Ohio school districts, especially in rural communities. Click here to see how your district would be impacted and to tell your lawmaker to oppose the amended version of HB 186. 

READ THE REPORT | Learn more in the Ohio Education Policy Insitute's new 'Analysis of Residential Property Taxes in Ohio: A Balanced Approach to Reform'

INTO THE ARCHIVES | Dr. Fleeter was a Public Education Matters guest way back in the first season of this podcast as we worked to understand Ohio's school funding formula - or lack thereof back at that point. Click here to listen.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Dr. Howard Fleeter, economist and Ohio Education Policy Institute consultant
  • Dr. Howard B. Fleeter received his Ph.D in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1990.  He was a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Management at Ohio State University from 1989-1999, where he taught courses in Public Sector Economics, Public Finance, and State and Local Government Finance.  He was a four-time recipient of the School’s “Faculty of the Year” award for excellence in teaching.  Dr. Fleeter was also a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1999-2001, where he taught courses in the Economics of Education and School Finance. 
  • Dr. Fleeter's research has focused on issues of education finance, education policy, and state and local tax policy and he is the author of numerous policy studies and academic journal articles on these topics.  Since his 1992 report, "Equity, Adequacy and Reliability in Ohio Education Finance" for Governor Voinovich's Education Management Council he has been one of the state’s leading experts on Education Finance.  He has worked extensively with Ohio education policy-makers to improve the state's school funding system for more than 25 years.  He is currently the owner of the state and local government finance and tax policy consulting firm Howard Fleeter & Associates and serves as a research consultant on education finance and policy issues for the Ohio Education Policy Institute.  

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on October 7, 2025.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | If you'd like to share your feedback on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear about - or talk about - on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.
 
SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Haylee Ziegler, Teays Valley Education Association Vice President
  • Haylee Ziegler is an 8th year Spanish teacher at Teays Valley High School. She is the vice-president of the Teays Valley Education Association and a part of the OEA LRC training program. Haylee also runs a blog, senoraziegler.com, where she reflects on teaching Spanish and provides professional development to teachers

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on August 20, 2025.

MID-CAREER EDUCATORS WANTED | If you would like to get involved in the new Mid-Career Educators cadre, you can connect with Tonya by email at hornt@oeaone.org and you can reach Jovita by email at wadej@oeaone.org. You can also learn more about the Ohio's New Educators department, under which the Mid-Career pilot program is being organized, here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Jovita Wade, Fairborn Education Association member
  • Jovita Wade is an intervention specialist in Fairborn City Schools, currently working with high school students. She serves on the Western Ohio Education Association Board of Directors and is a Professional Efficacy Committee member. Jovita began her education career as a school secretary before becoming a teacher, having attained a Masters of Exceptionalities degree. She has been serving as a ONE Member Organizer and now has joined the Mid-Career Organizers Cadre. 
• Tonya Horn, Green Local Association of Support Staff member
  • Tonya Horn is in her 19th year as a paraeducator, working at Green Local Schools Middle School. She has served on the Northeast Ohio Education Association Board of Directors as well as the Ohio Education Association Board of Directors. Tonya is also a NEA Lead Member Organizer. Her work with Ohio's New Educators has now grown to include serving as a ONE Mid-Career Member Organizer.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on July 10, 2025.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

THE POWER OF ONE | To learn more about the Ohio's New Educators group and how you can get involved with this group of educators in the first ten years of their careers, click here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Alex Myers, Marietta Education Association member
  • Alex Myers a Physical Education Teacher for grades K-2. He is in his 8th year as a Building Representative for the Marietta Education Association. In the past 3 years, he has has leaned into his passion for advocating for his fellow educators and students, while working to build relationships with my legislators locally and throughout the state of Ohio and Nationally. He enjoys spreading this passion and these opportunities with fellow educators and hope the practice can be less intimidating and more routine!
     

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on June 16, 2025.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:

• The foundation for all other strategies: Consistency - Starting at 7:10
• Front loading - Starting at 8:55
• Visual tools - Starting at 11:55
• Appropriate rewards - Starting at 13:00 
• What to do when a child is in meltdown mode - Starting at 14:05
• Managing a student's challenging behavior and the rest of your class - Starting at 19:00

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

THE POWER OF ONE | Brittany Myers credits OEA's Ohio's New Educators (ONE) program with helping her gain the confidence she needed to share her expertise with her fellow educators. To learn more about ONE and how you can get involved with this group of educators in the first ten years of their careers, click here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Brittany Myers, Marietta Education Association member
  • Brittany Myers is an Intervention Specialist in Marietta, Ohio, with 11 years of experience. She is a member of the Marietta Education Association and recently became licensed as a Behavior Analyst. Her passions are supporting her students' growth and success, but as an educator with a behavior analyst background, she likes to support her fellow educators in the difficult journey of classroom management. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on July 14, 2025.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• Andrea Kruse, Kids Voting Ohio
• Neil Mahoney, Dayton Education Association President

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

Interviews for this episode were recorded on August 29 and September 2, 2025.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | If you'd like to share your thoughts on the Public Education Matters podcast, including your ideas for what you'd like to hear on future episodes, please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Jeff Wensing, Ohio Education Association President
  • A high school math teacher in Parma City Schools, Jeff Wensing was elected OEA President in 2025 after serving as the Association’s vice president for six years. A public education advocate and leader for more than 33 years, Jeff served as President of the Parma Education Association from 2012-2018, and as President of the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) from 2016-2018. He served on OEA’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee and President’s Cabinet, as Vice Chair of OEA’s District Leaders Council, and as a member of the Fiscal Fitness Review Committee and Systemic Practices Committee. As Vice President, Jeff continued to emphasize the importance of organizing members throughout the state.
  • Jeff believes OEA’s commitment must be unwavering in protecting, promoting, and strengthening Ohio’s public schools. As President, he maintains open and effective communication with the OEA Board and district and local leaders to continue building OEA’s collective strength and lead the Association’s advocacy for all students and educators and efforts to ensure equity and inclusion.
  • As President, Jeff prioritizes empowering local affiliates, equipping leaders for successful negotiations, expanding and diversifying OEA membership, enhancing political advocacy, safeguarding equitable funding for public schools, opposing unchecked voucher expansion, defending collective bargaining rights, and promoting safe and supportive schools.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on August 12, 2025.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK | OEA members have been weighing in on the Public Education Matters podcast and on podcasts in general to help shape the future of OEA's podcast. More feedback is always welcome! Please email educationmatters@ohea.org.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Scott DiMauro, Ohio Education Association President
  • Scott DiMauro, a high school social studies teacher from Worthington, was elected President of the OEA in 2019 after having served as vice president for six years. Over his 34-year career as an educator, Scott has worked to provide students the critical thinking and decision-making skills they need to be successful citizens in our democracy while advocating for students, educators, and strong public schools at all levels of his union.
  • Scott’s priorities as president have included strengthening local affiliates, enhancing professional supports for members, and elevating the voice of educators in public policy to ensure all students are given access to a high-quality education that inspires their creativity, imagination, and desire to learn. As OEA President, he helped lead a successful coalition effort that resulted in the historic passage of the Fair School Funding Plan along with an increase in the state minimum teacher’s salary as part of the most recent state budget bill.
    Scott has facilitated OEA’s Board and leadership team in educating and organizing members to advocate for social, racial, and economic justice. That priority has framed OEA’s advocacy on school safety, resistance to attacks on educators’ freedom to teach and students’ freedom to learn an honest education, and a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain caring, qualified educators—both licensed and support professionals—in every community across Ohio.
  • As vice president, Scott was proud to guide the OEA Commission on Student Success to lay out a comprehensive vision for high-quality education for all students and lay the groundwork for positive implementation of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act in Ohio. He also led an initiative to increase student access to breakfast in high-poverty districts and served as national spokesperson for the Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom. At the national level, he currently serves as president of the National Council of State Education Associations.
  • Term-limited to two three-year terms as OEA President, Scott will hand over the reins to OEA's new president in July. He is also retiring from teaching this summer. But, he says, his work in public education advocacy will continue. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on May 8, 2025.

TAKE ACTION NOW | Click here for the OEA Action Alert to contact your state lawmakers and tell them to fully and fairly fund our public schools in this state budget.  Click here to sign a petition to protect Ohio's classrooms and support the Fair School Funding Plan. Click here for a flyer with QR links and information to help encourage others to take action, too.

TELL YOUR STORY | Lawmakers need to hear from Aspiring Educators and active educators about what working full time as a student teacher while paying full tuition and receiving no compensation has meant in your own life, and why things need to change. Please contact OEA Government Relations if you have a story to share when HB 205, the Future Educators Support Act, comes up for proponent testimony.

LEARN MORE | Click here to see how your school district would benefit under a fully funded Fair School Funding Plan. Click here to see much your local school district will be shortchanged under the House-passed version of the state budget. Click here for fact sheets about the school districts in each Ohio legislative district to help in your conversations with your lawmakers. Click here for more resources from the All in for Ohio Kids coalition to help you engage your local school board and your state lawmakers on this critically important issue. 

SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS | With Congress on recess from May 27 through June 2, now is the ideal window to meet with your U.S. Representative and Senators in your home district. In-person meetings during recess are one of the most powerful ways to make our voices heard. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find your members of Congress
   – Visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov to look up your district’s Representative and Senators.
2. Request a meeting
   – Use their online “District Office” scheduling portals or call their local offices directly.
3. Prepare your message
   – Oppose proposed federal cuts: Explain how rollback of Title I, IDEA, ESSA and other critical education programs would widen opportunity gaps, undermine supports for students with disabilities, and force cuts to classroom staff and school services.
   – Highlight equity impacts: Emphasize that reduced funding disproportionately harms low-income and rural communities, jeopardizing after-school programs, mental-health services, and resources for English learners.
   – Call for investment: Urge them to protect and increase federal education funding so every student has access to qualified teachers, up-to-date materials, and safe learning environments.
4. Bring allies
   – Invite fellow educators, parents, or community members to join you for greater impact.
5. Provide feedback
   – Use OEA’s member lobbying feedback form to let us know how the conversation with you elected officials went and what subjects you discussed. Please also indicate if your requests went unanswered using OEA’s feedback form. 

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Dan Ramos, OEA Director of Government Relations
  • Dan Ramos is from Lorain, Ohio, where he attended school at St. John the Baptist and Lorain Southview High School.  After graduating high school in 2003, Dan obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, International Affairs and Philosophy from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, OH in 2007.  Through the 2008 presidential election cycle, he joined the Obama for America campaign, working to help elect President Obama in northeastern Ohio.  In 2009, Dan was hired by the Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU) District 1199 WV/OH/KY.  Initially working with SEIU as an Administrative Organizer, representing and negotiating contracts for SEIU’s state employees’ division, he became SEIU 1199’s Political and Legislative Liaison in late 2010.  In 2011, Dan worked with fellow labor lobbyists and attorneys in the effort to stop Senate Bill 5 while it was in the General Assembly, and then lead SEIU’s efforts field in Central and Northeast Ohio to collect signatures referendum and then defeat SB 5 on the November 2011 ballot.  In 2012, Dan moved to the Ohio Education Association. Dan has served as OEA’s Political Advocacy Consultant, where he was responsible for growing OEA’s member political action and legislative advocacy, increasing OEA’s PAC membership, the Fund for Children and Public Education, and assisting in OEA’s political coalitions, such as LEAD Ohio and the America Votes Coalition. In 2018, Dan Ramos moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he served as a Labor Relations Con...

HELP ALICIA'S STUDENTS | If you have connections, resources, or any ideas that can help Alicia Ball take her students to volunteer at a soup kitchen in New York City, please send Alicia an email at ansneddon@gmail.com

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SHARE YOUR STORY | Public Education Matters continues to lift up the good work of OEA members and OEA locals across the state. Help us tell your local's story! Please send us an email at educationmatters@ohea.org to let us know about what educators you know are doing to help their schools, students, co-workers, and communities.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Alicia Ball, Celina Education Association member
  • Alicia Ball is the proud mom of two girls, Baylie and Linden, and wife to Andy. She is teaching English at Celina High School and is just about to complete year 15. She teaches dance part time and loves reading, boating, and shopping. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

The interview in this episode was recorded on April 17, 2025. 

CHECK OUT THE READ-INS | Click here to view a gallery of photos and videos from some of Twinsburg Education Association Diversity Read-Ins and other events throughout this school year.

CELEBRATE DIVERSE READERS IN LIMA | Lima-area students and their families are invited to join the Lima Education Association, OEA, and OEA-Retired at the third annual Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers to enjoy free family activities, free food, and free diverse books!

• Thursday, May 22, 2025 (the last day of school for Lima City Schools)
• 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Lima Town Square
• More info: www.ohea.org/diversereaders

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SHARE YOUR STORY | Public Education Matters continues to lift up the good work of OEA members and OEA locals across the state. Help us tell your local's story! Please send us an email at educationmatters@ohea.org to let us know about what educators you know are doing to help their schools, students, co-workers, and communities.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Kristie Woolbright-Lewis, Twinsburg Education Association member
  • With more than 25 years in education, Kristie is the Department Chair and School Counselor at Twinsburg High School. She focuses on improving the ninth grade transition and new student transfer experience. She developed a program to cultivate student leaders who would support and assist incoming students. Most recently the initiatives expanded to incorporating Diversity Read Ins that would embrace empathy, encourage change, and increase acceptance of all students and our differences. 
  • Kristie's career in education began in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. There she taught Health/PE 1999 until 2007. In 2007, she was afforded the opportunity to begin her heart's passion work as a school counselor.  While in CMSD, she worked with amazing educators who assisted her with gaining experience and knowledge that supported as she embarked upon the new position she accepted in 2018 at Twinsburg High School. 

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

The interview for this episode was recorded on April 7, 2025.

READ THE STORY IN OHIO SCHOOLS | Parts of this conversation with Ky Theophanous were featured in the April/May 2025 edition of OEA's Ohio Schools magazine. Click here to check out the story on pages 20-21. 

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Kyriakos "Ky" Theophanous, ACCESS Co-President

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

The interview in this episode was recorded by Julie Newhall on February 25, 2025. 

SEE THE GCCCEA COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT AND SALARY SCHEDULE | Greene County Career Center Education Association President Doug Picard is happy to show other local leaders what his association accomplished in its latest negotiations and share his insight about how it could be replicated for other educators across the state. You can reach Doug by email at douglaspicard@gmail.com

LISTEN TO OUR PREVIOUS CONVERSATION | Regular Public Education Matters listeners may recognize Doug Picard from a previous episode this season. Doug reached out with the follow up discussed in this episode after an earlier conversation about the Growing Demand for Career Tech in Ohio. Click here to listen to that conversation in Season 5, Episode 17.  

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS | For too long, the federal Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions of the Social Security Act have unfairly hurt Career Tech educators, who often enter the education profession after private sector careers. At the end of 2024, Sen. Sherrod Brown's Social Security Fairness Act passed in Congress. Click here to read OEA's statement on the landmark legislation.

Featured Public Education Matters guests: 

• P.R. Frank, Greene County Career Center Education Association member
  • An educator for 31 years, P.R. Frank came to CTE in 2007 after 15 years as a public school educator. He helped to start three successful Dayton schools, has led teacher professional development, and has taught in classrooms ranging from elementary to post-secondary education. Prior to joining a career technical school, P.R. enjoyed developing his own small business as a digital media creator in his spare time. He champions great curriculum design, excellent teaching, and giving students a step up in life pursuits.
• Doug Picard, Greene County Career Center Education Association President 
  • Doug Picard is in his sixth year as a manufacturing and engineering instructor at the Greene County Career Center (GCCC) in Xenia, Ohio. Before joining GCCC, he served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he taught in classrooms, developed avionics test programs, and authored technical policies. At GCCC, his teaching emphasizes human-centered design and adaptive technologies to support underrepresented communities. Picard has also collaborated with the University of Dayton and Central State University as a research mentor for their Global STEM Research Experience for Teachers where he studied engineering in developing areas in Ecuador and India. Over the next three years, he will work with these universities, along with Wright State University, on a National Science Foundation-funded Research Experience for Teachers focused on electronics and semiconductors.

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

The interview for this episode was recorded on April 14, 2025.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS AND THE SAVINGS | Edvance has negotiated tuition discounts for a number of 100% online schools and programs for OEA Members and their families. Click here to start exploring the available programs to see how NEA's College Benefit can help make college and certificate courses accessible and affordable to you and your family.

SHARE THIS RESOURCE WITH YOUR FELLOW EDUCATORS | Education benefits like those available through the Edvance network are just one more reason for educators in your district to join your local association. Click here for information local leaders can share with other educators.

SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms, including YouTube. Click here for links for other platforms so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.

Featured Public Education Matters guest: 

• Ashley Kaufman, Director of Channel Management, Edvance
  • Ashley Kaufman is the Director of Channel Management at Edvance, bringing a career rooted in marketing, higher education, and franchising to this role. Passionate about work that helps others grow personally and professionally, Ashley believes that education is a powerful tool—equipping individuals with the knowledge and insight to make informed decisions that support themselves, their families, and their communities.
  • With a deep understanding of the challenges working adults face when pursuing a higher education, Ashley works to build strategic partnerships with union leaders that makes higher education more attainable and impactful for union members and their families to advance their careers and achieve their goals.
  • As a parent of young children, Ashley sees firsthand the profound role education plays in shaping the future. Her commitment to lifelong learning isn’t just professional—it’s personal. She strives to set an example of continuous growth, kindness, and the pursuit of opportunities that make a meaningful impact, both at work and at home.
    • Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleykaufman1208/
      • Connect with Edvance: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edvance-education/

Connect with OEA:

• Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topics
• Like OEA on Facebook
• Follow OEA on Twitter
• Follow OEA on Instagram
• Get the latest news and statements from OEA here
• Learn more about where OEA stands on the issues 
• Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative Watch

About us:

• The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio’s schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio’s children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio’s schools.
• Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. 

This episode was recorded on March 17, 2025.